diff --git a/src/modules/packages/main.py b/src/modules/packages/main.py
index 943b032cc..1f9253ae8 100644
--- a/src/modules/packages/main.py
+++ b/src/modules/packages/main.py
@@ -91,6 +91,22 @@ class PackageManager:
         elif self.backend == "entropy":
             check_target_env_call(["equo", "rm"] + pkgs)
 
+    def update_db(self):
+        if self.backend == "packagekit":
+            check_target_env_call(["pkcon", "refresh"])
+        elif self.backend == "zypp":
+            check_target_env_call(["zypper", "update"])
+        elif self.backend == "urpmi":
+            check_target_env_call(["urpmi.update", "-a"])
+        elif self.backend == "apt":
+            check_target_env_call(["apt-get", "update"])
+        elif self.backend == "pacman":
+            check_target_env_call(["pacman", "-Sy"])
+        elif self.backend == "portage":
+            check_target_env_call(["emerge", "--sync"])
+        elif self.backend == "entropy":
+            check_target_env_call(["equo", "update"])
+
 
 def run_operations(pkgman, entry):
     """ Call package manager with given parameters.
@@ -121,6 +137,10 @@ def run():
     pkgman = PackageManager(backend)
     operations = libcalamares.job.configuration.get("operations", [])
 
+    update_db = libcalamares.job.configuration.get("update_db", False)
+    if update_db and libcalamares.globalstorage.value("hasInternet"):
+        pkgman.update_db()
+
     for entry in operations:
         run_operations(pkgman, entry)
 
diff --git a/src/modules/packages/packages.conf b/src/modules/packages/packages.conf
index e72763731..8dd06d52f 100644
--- a/src/modules/packages/packages.conf
+++ b/src/modules/packages/packages.conf
@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@
 #  - entropy	 - Sabayon package manager
 #
 backend: packagekit
+
+update_db: true
+
 #
 # List of maps with package operations such as install or remove.
 # Distro developers can provide a list of packages to remove
@@ -38,7 +41,7 @@ backend: packagekit
 #  - remove:
 #      - pkg2
 #      - pkg1
-#    install:
+#  - install:
 #      - pkgs6
 #      - pkg7
 #  - localInstall: